The film revolves around the life of Urdu poet-lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi which will be played by Shah Rukh Khan whereas Aishwarya will portray his love interest Punjabi poet Amrita Pritam.

Bhansali had earlier decided to cast Fawad Khan as the protagonist but changed plans due to tensions in Indo-Pak relations. Though on the contrary we will be seeing Shahrukh romancing Pakistani actress Mahira Khan in his upcoming film Raees.